Pepsi’s local bottler in Lebanon has reportedly unveiled a blue-and-white logo reminiscent of the Israeli flag, prompting widespread anger and calls for a boycott.
According to local media, a formal complaint has been filed against PepsiCo’s Lebanese bottler, the Lebanese Modern Company for Trade (LMCT), over the new design. The complaint, filed by Lebanese lawyer Ziad Jaafil with the Beirut Public Prosecution Office, alleges that the logo’s similarity to the Israeli flag constitutes “inciting strife” and “violations of the boycott laws” against Israel.
The new logo, featuring two blue stripes around the name on the caps of glass bottles, has sparked a “nationwide campaign” against the company, with many calling for a boycott of Pepsi in Lebanon.
The complaint was confirmed by Hassan Moraib, a prominent imam in Beirut, who stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the document demands LMCT immediately withdraw its products from the market.
Locals have reportedly expressed their outrage, with people in South and North Lebanon attempting to block Pepsi distribution trucks from entering their areas. Storeowners have been reported to have emptied and destroyed Pepsi bottles and cans in the streets.
A video circulating on social media shows a Muslim preacher expelling a Pepsi distributor from the town of Bar Elias.
LMCT has released a statement denying the “baseless accusations” of supporting Israel. However, Lebanon adheres to the Arab League’s decades-long policy of boycotting Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians. Calls for a boycott of American companies perceived as supportive of Israel have intensified following recent escalations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
đ´BOYCOTT: âThis is the price of the blood of our people in Gaza, and we will not allow it to enter our townâ
Sheikh Araji a Lebanese preacher expels a Pepsi distributor from the town of Bar Elias in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon because of its support for Israel.
â Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws)
Lebanon shares a border with Israel and is home to Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim militia that considers the Jewish state an enemy. The two groups have exchanged rocket attacks across the border.
Earlier this month, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the finalization of “operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon.” In response, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that the militia is prepared for a full-scale conflict with Israel.